Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference for the Joint Advisory Group on Data Management (JAGDM)

As adopted by the Annual meetings of NAFO and NEAFC 2013.

  1. For the purposes of this Advisory Group, “data management” refers to the design of relevant frameworks and any technical issue related to the generating, storing, transmitting and use of fisheries related data, including data processing, protocols, standards and data security and confidentiality.
  2. The functions of the Advisory Group shall be to:
    1. Consider and evaluate developments in, and issues related to, data management in relation to NEAFC, NAFO and to the extent practical other Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs);
    2. Engage in the development of data management;
    3. Contribute to the harmonization and standardization of protocols, formats and standards used in NEAFC, NAFO and to the extent practical other RFMOs;
    4. Ensure the standardization of the electronic reporting formats used by NEAFC and NAFO and act as their repository;
    5. Contribute to harmonization and standardization in the development of fisheries related electronic recording and reporting systems (ERS);
    6. Work towards globally harmonized and compatible data management for monitoring, control and surveillance and scientific research relevant to fisheries;
    7. Respond to requests from NEAFC, NAFO, their Contracting Parties and to the extent practical other RFMOs, seeking advice on data management;
    8. Present advice in the field of data management to NEAFC, NAFO, their Contracting Parties and, as applicable, other RFMOs.
  3. The Advisory Group shall invite NEAFC and NAFO Contracting Parties to nominate persons with relevant expertise to be participants in the Advisory Group.
  4. The Advisory Group may, as appropriate, invite other RFMOs, and/or other relevant intergovernmental organizations to nominate persons with relevant expertise to be participants in the Advisory Group
  5. The Advisory Group shall contribute to a close cooperation regarding data management among the Secretariats of NEAFC and NAFO, and, as appropriate, their cooperation with the Secretariats of other RFMOs.
  6. The Advisory Group shall elect a Chair and a Vice-Chair from among its participants.
  7. The NEAFC and NAFO Secretariats shall jointly provide services to the Advisory Group to facilitate the exercise of its functions. The resources needed to provide these services shall be included in the regular respective budgets of NEAFC and NAFO.
  8. The Advisory Group may amend its Rules of Procedure.